The most popular new car design today is the hybrid Toyota. With great gas mileage, fewer emissions, and a design that’s meant to last, it’s no wonder. You may already know the basics of a gasoline engine, but what about an electric motor? A hybrid Toyota combines both in the same vehicle, so here’s a little lesson on battery power and how it works in your new or used vehicle.

The electric motor actually has two batteries. There’s a smaller 12 volt battery that can start the car, power the horns, and keep the lights going. This battery operates pretty much like the battery on a conventional gasoline powered car. It’s the second battery that makes all the difference, however. This is the battery that powers the electric motor and helps to reduce gasoline use and exhaust fumes.

The second battery is actually a bank of individual batteries connected together that combined have a very high voltage. The battery bank can power your new or used Toyota hybrid up to 15mph, and it can alternate with the gasoline engine to reduce its load at higher speeds. When you are at a red light, for example, the gasoline engine shuts off and the electric motor takes over. When you need quick speed, the gasoline engine effortlessly kicks in, and you’ll never even notice the switch.

One big worry about new or certified used Toyota hybrids is the life of the battery. If you’re driving around all day, won’t the batteries run out of juice? The good news is that the battery is actually able to recharge itself as you drive. While some power is drained as the electric motor is running, it is also able to put power back into the batteries while you drive. This means that the battery shouldn’t need to be replaced until well past 100,000 miles–and you’ll never have to plug the car into an outlet, either.

Come and check out a hybrid Toyota at your St Louis dealer. No matter where you plan to drive, we have the vehicle for you!